Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 ARE CURRENTLY NOT OPEN
Applicants applying who are health care professionals with AHPRA registration (for example Diploma of Nursing qualifications) or who intend to apply for credit must apply for the Bachelor of Nursing SATAC code 104951(FT) or 104961(PT) for Casuarina Campus or, SATAC code 104955(FT) or 104965(PT) for Online.
The Diploma of Health Care/Bachelor of Nursing is a combined course that will see you graduate with two qualifications in the same time it takes to complete one.
The Diploma of Health Care is integrated into the Bachelor of Nursing and will be awarded after your first year of study, which means you'll hold a qualification and can start working in the health sector while you finish your degree.
The Bachelor of Nursing is a professionally accredited degree and will qualify you to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Registered Nurse (Division 1). This degree is an accredited program of study recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Practical Training
In order to complete the Bachelor of Nursing and qualify as a Registered Nurse, you are required to undertake two types of practical experience: simulation blocks and supervised placements. You will complete simulation blocks (in each year of study) that must be completed full-time and on campus at one of CDU's many simulation suites located across Australia.
You will also complete 880 hours of supervised placements across the three years of the degree. These will take place in a variety of healthcare settings that are located within your state/territory. Regardless of your study mode or pattern, you are required to complete clinical placement on a full-time basis, with rotating shifts across a seven-day week. These may include night, weekend and public holiday shifts.
As a Bachelor of Nursing student, you may also have opportunity to broaden your global outlook with additional international study tours and exchanges.
English Language Requirements
In order to register as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you're required to meet the English language requirements laid out by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This applies to all initial registrations, regardless of whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. Find out more: the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/.
Safe Practice
In order to study nursing and practice safely, you will need to have an inherent set of qualities. Nursing needs a degree of physical strength and mobility, endurance, communication and cognitive abilities. If you feel you may experience challenges in meeting these requirements, you are encouraged discuss these with the Bachelor of Nursing Course Coordinator before enrolling in the course.
Reporting Obligations
Under the National Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, CDU is required to register nursing students with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and to notify AHPRA if a student has or develops a health impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm. More information from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/.
Course transfer into the Bachelor of Nursing is not permitted. Students who wish to transfer into this course must follow the application process.
Professional recognition
Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for registration with the Health Licensing Authority (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $31,280.00. This equates to $3,910.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #4 Australian uni for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
Twenty-one (21) compulsory core units provide students with essential knowledge that underpins a population health and person-centred approach to nursing practice when caring for people with acute and chronic health problems. The specialist elective unit provides greater depth of knowledge and allows students to study a generalised or specialty subjects in which they have a specific interest.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Diploma of Health Care Core Units (8 units) | 80cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. NUR135 Primary Health Care (replaces NUR115 from 2021) |
| Bachelor of Nursing Core Units (13 units) | 160cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. NUR252 Digital Technology in Healthcare |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units, or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard FULL-TIME or PART-TIME load.
It is recommended students follow one of the recommended plans below.
- seek advice from the Course Coordinator if you need to deviate from one of the recommended plans; and
- always check the assumed knowledge and pre-requisite unit requirements for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. NUR252.
- regularly check your academic progress in your CDU MyStudentInfo account.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | PR = Practical Required |
1(a) FULL-TIME
NUR257 and NUR258 are co-requisites – students must enrol in both units for the same study period
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| NUR130 Introduction to Health and Wellbeing* | CO | NUR133 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | CO |
| NUR131 Professional Practice | CO | NUR135 Primary Health Care (replaces NUR115 from 2021) | CO |
| NUR132 Communication for Person-centred Practice | CO | NUR134 Professional Experience Placement 1** | PR |
| Year 2 | |||
| NUR252 Digital Technology in Healthcare | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO | NUR257 Professional Experience Placement 2** | PR |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | NUR258 Mental Health** (20cp) | PR |
| NUR255 Challenges to Health and Wellbeing* | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| NUR366 Complex Care (20cp)* | CO | NUR369 Nursing Practice Project | CO |
| NUR367 Leadership for Nursing Practice | CO | NUR370 Professional Experience Placement 4** | PR |
| NUR368 Global Health: Social Justice and Sustainability | CO | NUR410 Professional Experience Placement 5** (20cp) | PR |
* Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
** Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
1(b) PART-TIME
NUR257 and NUR258 are co-requisites – students must enrol in both units for the same study period
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| NUR131 Professional Practice | CO | NUR133 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| NUR132 Communication for Person-centred Practice | CO | NUR135 Primary Health Care (replaces NUR115 from 2021) | CO |
| NUR130 Introduction to Health and Wellbeing* | CO | NUR134 Professional Experience Placement 1** | PR |
| Year 3 | |||
| NUR252 Digital Technology in Healthcare | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| NUR255 Challenges to Health and Wellbeing* | CO | NUR257 Professional Experience Placement 2** | PR |
| NUR258 Mental Health** (20cp) | PR | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| NUR366 Complex Care* (20cp) | CO | NUR369 Nursing Practice Project | CO |
| NUR370 Professional Experience Placement 4** | PR | ||
| Year 6 | |||
| NUR367 Leadership for Nursing Practice | CO | NUR410 Professional Experience Placement 5** (20cp) | PR |
| NUR368 Global Health: Social Justice and Sustainability | CO | ||
* Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
** Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
THERE WILL BE NO SEMESTER 2 INTAKE FROM 2022
Students Commencing in Semester 2(prior to 2022)
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for domestic students commencing externally online in Semester 2 and enrolling in a standard FULL-TIME or PART-TIME load.
It is recommended students follow one of the recommended plans below.
- seek advice from the Course Coordinator if you need to deviate from one of the recommended plans; and
- always check the assumed knowledge and pre-requisite unit requirements for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. NUR252.
- regularly check your academic progress in your CDU MyStudentInfo account.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | PR = Practical Required |
2(a) FULL-TIME
NUR257 and NUR258 are co-requisites – students must enrol in both units for the same study period
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CO | SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | |
| CO | NUR133 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | CO | |
| CO | NUR135 Primary Health Care (replaces NUR115 from 2021) | CO | |
| CO | NUR130 Introduction to Health and Wellbeing* | CO | |
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| NUR131 Professional Practice | CO | SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO |
| NUR132 Communication for Person-centred Practice | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO |
| NUR134 Professional Experience Placement 1** | PR | NUR255 Challenges to Health and Wellbeing* | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| NUR252 Digital Technology in Healthcare | CO | NUR366 Complex Care* (20cp) | CO |
| NUR257 Professional Experience Placement 2** | PR | NUR368 Global Health: Social Justice and Sustainability | CO |
| NUR258 Mental Health** (20cp) | PR | NUR369 Nursing Practice Project | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| NUR367 Leadership for Nursing Practice | CO | ||
| NUR370 Professional Experience Placement 4** | PR | ||
| NUR410 Professional Experience Placement 5** (20cp) | PR | ||
* Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
** Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
2(b) PART-TIME
NUR257 and NUR258 are co-requisites – students must enrol in both units for the same study period
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CO | SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | |
| CO | NUR135 Primary Health Care (replaces NUR115 from 2021) | CO | |
| Year 2 | |||
| NUR131 Professional Practice | CO | NUR130 Introduction to Health and Wellbeing* | CO |
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | NUR133 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| NUR132 Communication for Person-centred Practice | CO | NUR256 Research and Evidence Based Practice | CO |
| NUR134 Professional Experience Placement 1** | PR | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| NUR252 Digital Technology in Healthcare | CO | NUR255 Challenges to Health and Wellbeing* | CO |
| SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| NUR257 Professional Experience Placement 2** | CO | NUR366 Complex Care* (20cp) | CO |
| NUR258 Mental Health** (20cp) | PR | NUR369 Nursing Practice Project | CO |
| Year 6 | |||
| NUR367 Leadership for Nursing Practice | CO | NUR370 Professional Experience Placement 4** | PR |
| NUR368 Global Health: Social Justice and Sustainability | CO | ||
| Year 7 | |||
| NUR410 Professional Experience Placement 5** (20cp) | PR | ||
* Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 32 hour (4 days) on-campus simulation block as a part of this unit.
** Work Integrated Learning: Students are required to attend the clinical placement hours as allocated by CDU Placement Office.
Entry requirements
Quota
The Diploma of Health Care/Bachelor of Nursing is a highly competitive course with a limited number of full-time and part-time places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirement for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Sub quotas are in place for First Nation applicants.
Admission criteria
APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 ARE CURRENTLY NOT OPEN
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 70*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Diploma level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree with a GPA of 5.5 and above.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 180.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
~Air Force: Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
~Army: Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private
~Navy: Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Seaman
*After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Applicants applying who are health care professionals with AHPRA registration (for example Diploma of Nursing qualifications) must apply for the WNUR01 Bachelor of Nursing, and apply using either SATAC code 104841 for Casuarina Campus or Online, or SATAC code 164081 for Sydney Campus.
Additional admission requirements
Nursing students must meet a specific level of English language proficiency before they start in a course.
You can show English language proficiency by:
- completing a declaration that English is your primary language, or
- sitting an English language proficiency test.
All applicants are required to meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard as outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) at www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/.
Applicants will be required to submit the following via their SATAC application to demonstrate they meet the above standard prior to being included in offer rounds in one of the following ways:
1. PRIMARY LANGUAGE PATHWAY:
A signed English Language Declaration indicating the following:
- English is their primary language; and
- They have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
*Recognised countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and USA.
OR
2. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST PATHWAY
Applicants have achieved and can supply evidence of the required minimum scores in one of the following English language tests:
- IELTS (Academic) Minimum Scores
Band score of 7.0 in all bands
(IELTS Indicator test is not accepted) - TOEFL Minimum Scores
Internet-based: total score of 94 with a minimum of 27 in Writing, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Reading and Listening
(TOEFL Home edition test is not accepted) - Pearson Test of English (Academic) Minimum Scores
Overall score of 65 AND Skills profile of 65 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening - Occupational English Test (OET)
A minimum result of B/score of 350 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
TOEFL Home edition and IELTS Indicator tests are not accepted for entry to Nursing and Midwifery courses
Essential requirements
Pre-clinical requirements:
You must provide proof that you have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before starting clinical placements. These requirements include, but are not limited to:
- immunisation requirements
- Senior First Aid qualification
- annual criminal record checks
- working with children clearances
- fitness-to-practice requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either:
- providing a declaration that English is your primary language and you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six (6) years of continuous education that is equivalent to secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the recognised countries*, including at least two years between years 7 and 12.
(*recognised countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America) - undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall pass of 65 and 65 across all modules (reading, writing, speaking and listening). |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 and a minimum 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC or UAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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